Cookies in a Henhouse

I lost count but this may have been the 13th annual cookie exchange. Catching up with long time friends, sipping coffee and noshing on these sinful treats. What’s not to like?

I look forward to these annual festive get-togethers because it signals the beginning of the holiday season (Black Friday? child’s play compared to this coffee klatch). Most of us moms met approximately 15 years ago through the elementary schools our kids attended. We have gone through many things together; mostly good, but some bad. We have watched our kids grow up and go off to college.

Listening to all the updates this morning, I realized the conversations have changed through the years. More so this time as many of us are empty nesters. Back when the kids were in elementary school, the conversations centered on which teacher was the devil incarnate, or how busy we were schlepping the runny-nose ankle-biters to their doctor appointments, soccer games and play dates. When middle-school rolled around, the hot topic had to do with school dances, clothes (or, lack thereof) and boys/girls. The high school years were a different ball of wax. We soon realized our kids were not angels, after all. The conversations were still about boys/girls, but sex and drugs were an unwanted addition. Solid reasons to meet weekly for happy hour were plentiful.

Today, we talked about college updates. We were excited! News was good – kids are doing well, very stressed, but generally, doing well. Moms chatted about their new jobs, hobbies and travels. The room was electric and loud, everyone talking at once, drinking coffee and eating. The voices getting louder and louder because our hearing is not as keen as it once was. The energy from all the cackling in the room is probably similar to that of a large henhouse right before each hen drops an egg.

This morning, the last sentence uttered at the end of each conversation was, “it will all work out and everyone finds their way”. Now that I am home, I will ponder that thought as I devour each one of these sinful treats.